Medication Tolerance for High Blood Pressure Drugs

by Dr. Stephen Sinatra

Filed Under: Blood Pressure, Q&As, Heart Health

Last Reviewed 10/04/2012

Medication Tolerance for High Blood Pressure Drugs

Is it true that high blood pressure medications should be changed every 5 years?

Your question raises the issue of medication tolerance. That is, though a high blood pressure drug might work well for a while, the body becomes so used to it that it no longer responds. This can happen and, if it does, we have to change high blood pressure drugs.

But if your blood pressure is maintained well by a medication, then there is no reason to change things up. A quick example: I've had patients on beta blockers for 15 years and many of these patients have had no side effects and their blood pressure numbers have been maintained as well.

Enjoy What You've Just Read?

Get it delivered to your inbox! Signup for E-News and you'll get great content like you've just read along with other great tips and guides for Dr. Sinatra!

Meet Dr. Sinatra

Dr. Stephen Sinatra is a highly respected and sought-after cardiologist and nutritionist with more than 30 years of clinical practice, research, and study. His integrative approach to heart health focuses on reducing inflammation in the body and maximizing the heart's ability to produce and use energy. More About Dr. Sinatra